Arizona accounting independent contractor agreement template

Arizona Accounting Independent Contractor Agreement

This Arizona Accounting Independent Contractor Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of this [Date], by and between:

• [Client Legal Name], a [Client Business Type, e.g., Corporation] with a business address at [Client Business Address], email address [Client Email Address], and phone number [Client Phone Number] (hereinafter referred to as "Client"),
• and
• [Contractor Legal Name], a [Contractor Business Type, e.g., LLC] with a business address at [Contractor Business Address], email address [Contractor Email Address], and phone number [Contractor Phone Number] (hereinafter referred to as "Contractor").

Scope of Services

• Option A: The Contractor shall perform the following accounting services for the Client: [Detailed description of accounting services, e.g., Bookkeeping, Financial Statement Compilation, Payroll Administration, Tax Compliance and Filing (including Federal and Arizona Department of Revenue Requirements), Business Consulting, Internal Audits, Financial Reporting Standards Compliance].
• Option B: The Contractor shall perform the accounting services as described in Exhibit A attached hereto.
• The Contractor’s duties include, but are not limited to, [List of specific tasks and responsibilities]. These services shall be performed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and any applicable Arizona statutory requirements or industry practices.
• The deliverables under this Agreement include [List of deliverables, e.g., monthly financial statements, completed tax returns, audit reports].
  • Measurable Deliverables: [List of quantifiable metrics for success].

Performance Standards and Deadlines

• Option A: The Contractor shall perform the services according to the following schedule: [Detailed schedule, including milestones and deadlines].
• Option B: The Contractor shall perform the services in a timely and professional manner, adhering to reasonable deadlines agreed upon by both parties. Specific deadlines will be communicated [Method of Communication, e.g., email, project management software].
• The Contractor will dedicate approximately [Number] hours per week to the performance of the services under this Agreement.
• The Contractor [Is/Is Not] permitted to delegate tasks to subcontractors. If delegation is permitted, the Contractor is responsible for ensuring that any subcontractors are qualified and competent and adhere to the terms of this Agreement. All subcontractors must comply with Arizona law.
• Communication and Reporting: The Contractor shall communicate with the Client [Frequency, e.g., weekly, bi-weekly] via [Method of Communication, e.g., email, phone, video conference] and provide progress reports.

Work Location

• Option A: The Contractor shall perform the services at the Client's premises located at [Client Business Address].
• Option B: The Contractor shall perform the services remotely.
• Option C: The Contractor shall perform the services in a hybrid manner, with [Percentage]% of the work performed at the Client's premises and [Percentage]% of the work performed remotely.
• Access to Facilities/Systems: The Client shall provide the Contractor with access to the necessary facilities and systems, including [List of facilities/systems, e.g., office space, accounting software, client data].
• Data Protection and Privacy: The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Arizona data protection and privacy laws and regulations, including maintaining the confidentiality of Client and third-party information in accordance with standards of the CPA profession or Arizona Board of Accountancy, if applicable.

Compensation and Payment Terms

• Option A: The Contractor shall be compensated at an hourly rate of [Dollar Amount] per hour.
• Option B: The Contractor shall be compensated on a per-project basis, as follows: [Description of project and associated fee].
• Option C: The Contractor shall be compensated via a retainer of [Dollar Amount] per [Frequency, e.g., month, quarter].
• Payment Terms: The Client shall pay the Contractor within [Number] days of receipt of a valid invoice.
• Invoicing: The Contractor shall submit invoices [Frequency, e.g., monthly, upon completion of project milestones] to [Client Contact Person] at [Client Email Address].
• Expenses: The Client shall reimburse the Contractor for pre-approved reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the performance of the services under this Agreement. Pre-approval must be obtained [Method for Approval, e.g., email, written consent].
• Arizona Sales/Use Tax: [State whether services are subject to Arizona sales/use tax and, if so, who is responsible for collecting and remitting the tax].
• Late Payment: Late payments shall be subject to interest at a rate of [Percentage]% per month or the maximum rate permitted by Arizona law, whichever is lower. The Contractor reserves the right to withhold services in the event of late or incomplete payment, subject to Arizona law.

Ownership and Intellectual Property

• All client records, financial statements, and data shall remain the exclusive property of the Client.
• Upon termination of this Agreement, the Contractor shall promptly return or destroy all Client data and materials in its possession, in accordance with Arizona data protection laws.
• The Contractor is prohibited from using or disclosing any Client information beyond the scope of this Agreement.

Confidentiality

• The Contractor acknowledges that during the term of this Agreement, Contractor will have access to confidential information of the Client. The Contractor agrees to hold such confidential information in strict confidence and not to disclose it to any third party, in accordance with Arizona law and applicable AICPA or Arizona Board of Accountancy confidentiality rules.
• Mandatory Reporting: The Contractor shall immediately report any breach of confidentiality, whether by the Client or the Contractor, to the appropriate authorities and to the other party to this Agreement.

Compliance with Laws

The Contractor covenants not to engage in any unlawful activity, fraud, misrepresentation, or false statements in connection with the performance of services under this Agreement, in accordance with Arizona’s professional conduct standards for accountants.

Independent Contractor Status

• The Contractor is an independent contractor and is not an employee, partner, or agent of the Client.
• The Client shall not be responsible for withholding any federal, state, or local taxes from payments made to the Contractor.
• The Contractor is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all necessary professional licenses or permits as required by the Arizona Board of Accountancy (ARCPAs, CPAs, or EA status as applicable).
• The Contractor shall maintain adequate professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance and provide proof of such insurance to the Client upon request.
• The Contractor is not entitled to unemployment insurance or workers' compensation benefits from the Client.

Indemnification

The Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Client from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorney's fees) arising out of or relating to the Contractor's errors, omissions, breaches, or third-party claims arising from the Contractor's work under this Agreement, subject to any limitations recognized by Arizona law.

Dispute Resolution

• Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved through negotiation in good faith.
• If negotiation fails, the parties agree to attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation in [City, State], utilizing a mediator agreed upon by both parties.
• If mediation fails, the dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association in [City, State].
• This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. The venue for any legal action shall be in [County] County, Arizona.
• The prevailing party in any dispute shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

Term and Termination

• This Agreement shall commence on [Start Date] and shall continue until [End Date], unless terminated earlier as provided herein.
• Either party may terminate this Agreement for breach of this Agreement by providing [Number] days written notice to the other party.
• Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience by providing [Number] days written notice to the other party.
• Upon termination, the Client shall pay the Contractor for all services performed up to the date of termination.
• Upon termination, the Contractor shall promptly return all Client data and materials to the Client.
• The confidentiality and non-solicitation obligations of this Agreement shall survive termination. Non-compete obligations, if any, will be enforced only to the extent permitted under Arizona law.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Arizona and federal laws, regulations, and professional standards relating to accounting practice, including anti-money laundering and anti-fraud statutes, Arizona state income tax compliance, continuing professional education, and ethical conduct.

The Contractor shall maintain and produce records, and cooperate with any regulatory or tax authority requests.

Records and Audit

• The Contractor shall maintain accurate and complete records of all services performed under this Agreement.
• The Client shall have the right to audit the Contractor's records during and after the engagement.

Assignment and Subcontracting

• The Contractor [May/May Not] assign or subcontract its obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Client.
• The Contractor shall disclose any conflicts of interest as required by Arizona law or accounting industry standards.

Record Retention

The Contractor shall preserve and securely destroy Arizona-specific records for the duration legally required under ARS §32-749 and relevant Board of Accountancy record retention regulations.

Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, or government regulation.

Miscellaneous

• Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
• Notice: All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the addresses set forth above.
• Amendment: This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties.
• Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.
• Signature: The parties agree that electronic signatures shall be valid and binding.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

____________________________
[Client Legal Name]
By: [Client Authorized Signatory Name]
Title: [Client Title]

____________________________
[Contractor Legal Name]
By: [Contractor Authorized Signatory Name]
Title: [Contractor Title]